Viewer's guide: Total lunar eclipse on Wed

Viewer's guide: Total lunar eclipse on Wed

On Wednesday night, Feb. 20, for the third time in the past year, the moon will become completely immersed in the Earth's shadow, resulting in a total lunar eclipse.

As is the case with all lunar eclipses, the region of visibility will encompass more than half of our planet. Nearly a billion people in the Western Hemisphere, more than 1.5 billion in Europe and Africa, and perhaps another half-billion in western Asia will be able to watch — weather permitting — as the brilliant mid-winter full moon becomes a shadow of its former self and morphs into a glowing coppery ball.

Almost everyone in the Americas and Western Europe will have a beautiful view of this eclipse if bad weather doesn't spoil the show. The moon will be high in a dark evening sky as viewed from most of the United States and Canada while most people are still awake and about.

Local conditions

The only problematic area will be along the Oregon and northern California coast, where the first partial stage of the eclipse will already be underway when the moon rises and the sun sets on Wednesday evening. But if you have an open view low to the east, even this situation will only add to the drama, for as twilight fades, these far-Westerners will see the shadow-bitten moon coming into stark view low above the landscape. And by late twilight observers will have a fine view of the totally eclipsed lunar disk glowing red and dim low in the eastern sky.

Alaskans will also see the moon rise during the eclipse; in fact, much of western Alaska will see the moon rise while completely immersed in the Earth's shadow.

For Hawaiians, moonrise unfortunately comes just after the end of totality, with the moon gradually ascending the sky and its gradual emergence from the shadow readily visible.

Western Europe and Africa also will get a good view of the eclipse, but at a less convenient time: before dawn on Thursday morning, Feb. 21.

Total triangle

Moreover, this eclipse comes with a rare bonus. The planet Saturn (magnitude +0.2) and the bright bluish star, Regulus (magnitude +1.4) will form a broad triangle with the moon's ruddy disk.

Careful watchers will notice the moon changing its position with respect to the star and planet as it moves eastward through the Earth's shadow.

Saturn's position will also depend somewhat on your location. Seen from North America, the great ringed planet will be 3.5 degrees above and to the left of the moon's center at mid-totality (3:26 Universal time February 21st). At the same moment, Regulus will sit just 2.8 degrees above and to the right of the moon.

Some old-time astronomy buffs may remember from 40 years ago a total lunar eclipse with the moon sitting only about a degree from Spica — a gorgeous celestial tableau! More recently, in 1996, a totally eclipsed moon passed within 2 degrees of Saturn.

But this upcoming double event will be the only one of its kind occurring within the next millennium!

source: http://www.usatoday.com

Allenna Ward Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison For Sex With Teens

Former Bell Street Middle School teacher Allenna Ward was sentenced to prison on Tuesday for having sex with 5 teenage boys, some of the students at her school. The 24-year-old pleaded guilty in September to three counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and three lewd acts on a minor.

Ward was sentenced to 15 years in prison to each lewd act. She was sentenced to 6 years for each count of criminal sexual conduct. Her time for each lewd act was suspended to 6 years. Ward’s sentences will run concurrently.

“I apologize from the depths of my heart,” Ward said.

Police began investigating Ward last year when a note was found that the South Carolina teacher sent to one of the boys. Authorities say Ward met the teens, all 14 and 15 year olds, at the school, at a motel, a park and behind a restaurant.
source: http://www.transworldnews.com

The NeXXXt Monica Lewinsky?

The NeXXXt Monica Lewinsky?

British porn star Holly Wellin -- who, according to Wikipedia, is known for her "enthusiastic (and often violent) performances" -- is hoping Hillary Clinton becomes president so that she can be Hil's intern and ...blank her under the desk to payback bill Clinton.
source:http://www.tmz.com/

Snowstorm hits Chinese New Year celebrations

Snowstorm hits Chinese New Year celebrations

China heralded "Year of the Rat", amidst the thunder of firecrackers and mirth but the celebrations were overshadowed by the snowstorm-caused havoc for millions who could not make it to be with their families for the biggest festival.

Fireworks lit up the skyline and the deafening sound of crackers echoed in keeping with the true traditional spirit of the festival that sees millions of people in movement across the country to spend their holiday for family union.

The rat is the first of the 12-year cycle of 12 animals appearing in the Chinese Zodiac and the pig last. The Year of the Pig ended on Wednesday.

As the tell tale havoc left by the worst-ever snowstorm remained, the top Chinese leadership, including the President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao spent their New Year eve with the victims, speaking soothing words and lifting up their spirits.

With the weather clearing and traffic resuming on highways, millions managed to reach home after being stranded in shivering cold for days together at railway stations.

But the travel plans of millions of others were blighted by chaotic rush, forcing them to call off their most-cherished annual trip for the Spring Festival.

Nearly 12 million migrant workers opted to stay back in the southern Guangdong, a province with a population of 30 million migrant workers.

Coming to relief of those who could not make it to their homes, the local governments organised banquets and other programmes to keep their spirits high inspite of being away from their families.
source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

The 2008 Audi R8 Priced At $109,000

The 2008 Audi R8 supercar, as it's already been dubbed, boasts two transmissions with design elements reminiscent of the Porsche or Corvette. With its unique layout, and everyday driving capabilities, the R8 offers more than just the raw performance that's usually likened to a sports car. Audi R8 2008 manufacturer's suggested price starts at $109,000 dollars.

This two-seater with a midsized engine incorporates modernized technology from the company's Le Mans-winning prototype. Adapted for street driving, the Audi R8 first made its debut in 2006 at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris, France and was similar to the Le Mans Quattro concept car that first appeared in 2003.
Price Range

The detailed price ranges for the 2008 Audi R8 is as follows:

Coupe Quattro: Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) - $109,000, Invoice price - $101,370

Coupe Quattro with Auto R-tronic: MSRP - $118,000, Invoice price - $109,740

New Features for 2008 Audi R8

The 2008 Audi R8 features an aluminum body structure and delivers power to its 420 horsepower (hp), 4.2L V8 engine with direct fuel injection via either a 6 speed manual transmission, or a gearbox system known as the R-tronic, Audi's clutch-less manual system.

The warranty for the R8, which is Audi's first midsize exotic sports car, is 48 months or 50,000 miles, with the same on the powertrain, and 144 months, or unlimited mile warranty for rust damage.

Performance and Power of Audi R8 2008

The R8 offers a quiet ride with easy drivability that's largely due to its electromechanical steering system as well as the electromagnetic shock absorbers that control and adapt fluid levels within the shocks based on the road's surface.

Both trim options, either the R8 coupe Quattro or the Quattro with Auto R-tronic, have a six speed manual overdrive, a mid-mounted 4.2L V8 engine, with 420 hp @ 8250 revolutions per minute (RPM), and a pound-foot torque rating of 317 @ 4500 RPM.

The Audi R8 Quattro can reach 0 to 60 miles per hour (MPH) in an impressive 4.26 seconds, and the R8 with R-tronic in just five tenths of a second more with a top quoted speeds of 187 MPH.

Body Style and Options of 2008 Audi R8

The 2008 Audi R8 features the classic lower stance of a sports car but with an added, optional design element referred to as the "blade." Carbon-fiber side blades on either exterior side of the car, behind the door and just in front of the rear wheels, run at an angle from the roof to the side air intakes and the rocker panels.

The R8 comes equipped with 19 inch wheels, xenon headlights, LED turn signals and brake lights, and a retractable rear spoiler that can either operate manually or automatically.

The exterior color choices for the 2008 Audi R8 include: Brilliant Red, Daytona Gray Pearl, Ibis White, Ice Silver Metallic, Jet Blue Metallic, Mugello Blue Pearl, and Phantom Black Pearl.

Interior Design and Features of Audi R8 2008

It seems no expense was spared on the R8's unrivaled and original interior design that includes air conditioning, a seven speaker CD player, all leather seating for two, heated, multi-adjustable power seats, and power windows and door locks.

Taller drivers will appreciate the longer wheelbase, and the car's roomy cabin that resembles an airplane's cockpit and has been christened with the name "monoposto" by Audi. A dazzling array of control wraps around the driver's area, not alike that of a single-seated racing car, with plenty of polished aluminum accents.

A rather unusual feature for a sports car, the Audi R8 also provides ample storage space as well as space-saving cup holders, and a 3.5 cubic-foot sized front trunk.

Cruise control, a tachometer, leather steering wheel, a trip computer, and a tire inflation/pressure monitoring system are also standard interior features of the R8, while optional choices include a Bang & Olufsen premium stereo system, subwoofer, and a navigational aid system.

The "Convenience Package" for the 2008 Audi R8 contains features such as auto-dimming rearview mirrors, Bluetooth phone connectivity capabilities, a six disc CD changer, and parking sensors.

The color choices for the R8's leather interior, depending upon the exterior finish, include: Black, Limestone Gray, Luxor Beige, and Tuscan Brown.

Safety Features of 2008 Audi R8

The 2008 Audi R8 has several standard safety features including both driver and passenger front and seat-mounted side airbags, as well as knee protecting airbags, an ABS braking system, and both traction and stability control.

source: http://www.huliq.com/

Exxon Mobile breaks profit records

Exxon Mobile breaks profit records
Exxon Mobil Corp. posted $11.66 billion in fourth-quarter profits in 2007, breaking its quarterly profit record.Income for the company was 14 percent above fourth-quarter income in 2006, when the company posted profits of $10.25 billion. Earnings per share rose from $1.69 per share in the fourth quarter of 2006 to $2.13 per share in 2007.Exxon Mobil distributed $35.6 billion to shareholders in 2007 through dividends and share purchases to reduce shares outstanding, up from $3 billion in 2006, financial statements released by the company Friday show.Cash flow from operations and asset sales reached $13.1 billion in the fourth quarter; spending on capital and exploration reached $6.2 billion, up 21 percent from the fourth quarter of 2006.Spending on exploration projects and other capital assets increased to $20.8 million in 2007, up 5 percent from 2006. The figures reflect, "strong results in all business segments," Exxon Mobile Chairman Rex W. Tillerson said.Boosting the company's profits, oil production at the Marimba North Project, 90 miles off the coast of Angola, is yielding 40,000 barrels of oil per day. Production began ahead of schedule and came in under its budgeted cost, the statement said.

Source: http://www.upi.com